Nipples, sidewalks, vicious dogs all on council agenda

Two topless rallies in downtown Springfield have led to arguments over the city’s indecent exposure ordinance. Council is expected to vote on the law Monday night.(Photo: News-Leader file photo)Buy Photo

Springfield’s City Council chambers will likely be packed Monday evening with citizens waiting for a vote on the indecent exposure law. Others could fill the seats to hear about sidewalk development and a vicious dog ordinance.

The initial uproar came after a Free the Nipple rally on Park Central Square. Rally-goers say the event is designed to protest unequal laws and the sexualizing of women’s bodies. Opponents say it’s indecent and could put people in danger.

Other council members have questioned the legality of the stricter law, but haven’t clearly voiced support or opposition.

While that ordinance has dominated public dialogue and city council inboxes, there’s much more on Monday’s agenda.

Council will vote on three rezoning cases, including for part of a large commercial development on the east side of town, where SRC and FedEx are expected to expand, and on a use permit to allow a new truck stop on Chestnut Expressway.

The Flying J truck stop would sit near the intersection with Interstate 44.